A Golden Day on Big Creek

For the last three years Jean and I have attended the OFO trip at Long Point to observe migrating waterfowl and cranes. This year, we joined our fellow Peninsula Field Naturalists and the Niagara Falls Nature Club for a Sunday drive to Norfolk County in search of our main target species the Sandhill Crane. If an adult male Smew just happened to get in the field of view of our spotting scope, well I guess that would make the list too.

The previous day was the OFO trip and a total of 62 species were observed. Highlights included, Little Gull, Great Horned Owl, Eastern Meadowlark, and White-winged Crossbill. A lucky few spotted a Golden Eagle. The Smew (first observed by Ron Ridout on March 8) was not seen.

The next morning, a parking lot in Fonthill was abuzz with talk of the most recent Smew sighting. The adult male was seen in flight with mergansers, scaup and buffleheads by Josh Vandermeulen shortly after 8:00 am.

We left Fonthill behind and had Carol and Arlene along for the ride. All the better to spot firsts of the year during the 2 hour drive to the Long Point area. Just south of Simcoe, on Regional Road 24, we ticked a FOY Turkey Vulture. Approaching Port Rowan, the skies were empty. The large white blobs with wings seen in a clear blue sky during our first trip were absent.

After a pick-me-up coffee and toast with marmalade, I stood in the parking lot of the restaurant and looked south towards the Causeway and the point. Somewhere out there, either in the inner bay to the east or Big Creek National Wildlife Area to the west, was a male Smew.

From the Causeway we observed a small flock of Tundra Swans in the creek. Surprisingly, this was the only observation of Cygnus columbianus while birding the Long Point area.

Standing on the viewing platform, we had a broad view of Big Creek National Wildlife Area.

View Larger Map

There were a few Mute Swans spotted in the channels but if there were any large flocks of waterfowl they were well hidden by the cattails and Phragmites.  In the distance, we spotted an immature Bald Eagle following the route of County Road 42. Another large raptor appeared and circled high above the wildlife area.

We studied the bird as it continued to soar. This one was different. A birder sharing the platform indicated this one was a Golden Eagle. There was white patch at the base of the tail. Our lifer Golden Eagle (#314) was a juvenile. It suddenly dived and spiraled as it plummeted towards the ground. As it disappeared behind the golden-coloured grasses, a large mass of ducks flew up in every direction. It was like the eagle had dived into a pool of waterfowl. The juvenile raptor reappeared and flew low towards a mound of earth. There it sat to dine on an undetermined species of duck. This attracted the attention of a juvenile Bald Eagle and we watched the standoff through the scope. The Bald Eagle was unsuccessful in its attempts to steal some brunch.

While on the platform I heard the calls of Sandhill Cranes (FOY) and though some were able to view them (including Jean) I never did see the long, grayish-red bodies flying across the horizon. No worries. I would see them when we stopped at Lee Brown. Right?

A bit further down the road, our group stopped at the viewing platform that looks out onto Long Point Inner Bay. This time, I was able to watch a Sandhill Crane in flight. It was flying in a northwesterly direction, perhaps heading to the fields near the Lee Brown WMA. I would meet up with this bird later. Based on the last three visits, the cranes would be there.

We then birded the forested area surrounding the Old Cut Field Station. Ticked a first of the year Golden Crowned Kinglet, followed by finding a lifer Black-legged Tick (seen at the right on the Lyme Disease widget) on my sock while having lunch in the parking area of the Old Cut. Not sure where I picked up the sesame seed-sized arachnid but its appearance suddenly increased the numbers of times I scratched an imaginary itch.

We moved back to the mainland and stopped at Lee Brown WMA.

Scoping the small, artificial pond, we found geese, Gadwall, Ring-necked Duck and American Wigeon (FOY). Despite the fact that cranes breed in the marshes to the south, none were found in the surrounding corn fields. If not for the brief observations while out on the point, we just might have gone home without a crane tick.

We moved further inland and stopped at two locations in the Big Creek valley.

Our stroll along the 'A Road' was pretty quiet. The Wood Duck boxes did not produce an Eastern Screech Owl tick.

North of the A Concession Road, we stopped at another popular birding spot on Big Creek. The field south of the First Concession Road floods in the spring and with the recent creation of a wetland habitat, migrating waterfowl can be easily observed from the roadside.

Waterfowl found this sunny afternoon included, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup (pair) and Hooded Merganser (pair). Hidden in the grasses and dabbling frequently, were a few male Northern Shovelers (another target species ticked for the day).

The trip concluded when the sewage lagoons came up empty but there was one last stop for Jean, Carol, Arlene and I. The marina at Port Rowan. Unlike previous years, there was no ice in the harbour or any snow on the ground. There were quite a few waterfowl in the inlet west of the park but back lighting from the sun made identification difficult. An exceptionally close, immature Bald Eagle fly-by was well worth the stop. Sightings of an American Coot and a couple of Bonaparte's Gulls concluded the day's observations.

Overall, Jean and I observed 32 species and ticked 6 firsts of the year while in Norfolk County. The Smew refused to cooperate for our group but the lifer Golden Eagle tick, well, that was somewhat inspirational. Considering the juvenile eagle was too far away to capture a reasonable digiscoped image, Jean did the next best thing to mark the ticking of lifer #314.

Can't wait to see how she recreates a day at the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch.

Today's Forecast, Snow and 10,000 Tundra Swans

March 12




Long Point during the month of March is an exciting place if you're a birder. Migrating waterfowl, swans and cranes pass through the area each year en route to their breeding grounds. Though Jean and I ticked Tundra Swan earlier this year while birding along the Niagara Parkway, I was looking forward to viewing the massive numbers of Tundra Swans in the fields and air during the OFO trip. E-mail reports informed ONTBIRDS subscribers that there were a staggering 10,000 Tundra Swans at Long Point. You could not see the water for the swans.


This was our third year of attending the Long Point OFO trip and instead of waking up early and driving for two hours to reach the St. Williams Forestry Station, we booked a bed & breakfast in Port Rowan. The same B&B we used for accommodation during the 2010 OFO Annual Convention. I took a vacation day on Friday and Jean and I planned to leave St. Catharines in the afternoon. Early Friday morning, our host at the B&B contacted us to ask if we still coming to Port Rowan. "It's snowing like crazy here!", the host informed Jean. That was a surprise to us, St. Catharines had no snow at all. The heavy snowfall raised concerns. Not for travelling but how the snow may hinder our chances of observing Sandhill Cranes. My concerns grew exponentially upon arriving in the small Norfolk County town. Along the way, we observed Tundra Swans in flight, 3 in Jarvis and 4 as we turned south towards Port Rowan on Regional Road 42. Would the morning snow storm have an affect on our swan viewing the next day?


Yikes! The harbour in Port Rowan was still frozen and covered with snow.






Unlike the 2009 trip, there was no way the small bay, west of the marina, would produce either phase of Snow Goose this year.




Looking towards the causeway we could see small pockets of open water containing small numbers of Tundra Swans.

More ice and snow when viewing the harbour from the bed and breakfast.

After an evening meal at a restaurant near the causeway, Jean and I drove along Long Point Road. We heard and observed Tundra Swans in the area surrounding Big Creek.

On Saturday morning, we woke to the calls of the nearby swans with no need to rush. The meeting place for the OFO trip was only a 10 minute drive. Add French toast with syrup from Oxford County and you could not ask for a better start to a day of birding.

Saturday's first sighting occurred during breakfast. Jean spotted a large bird flying over the harbour. It came to a rest on the ice and views through the scope supported our call of immature Bald Eagle.



Less than an hour later, we met our fellow OFO members and trip leaders (Jim Heslop, Bob Stamp & John Olmsted). No stops at Booth Harbour or Port Rowan this year. 18 cars started the search for a reported Greater White-fronted Goose.

The group stopped at Dedrick Creek. We found over 40 Canada Geese, including 2 in a tree, but no lifer Greater White-fronted Goose this day.

For Jean and I, we added two species to this year's Ontario list. A pair of Northern Shovelers were spotted in the background of the flooded field and Killdeers (3) announced their return to the Long Point area.

We moved on to Lakeshore Road, checking the fields west of Hwy. 59 until we reached Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area. The fields on either side of the road are an excellent spot to find swans and migrating ducks. Horned Larks greeted us as we started our drive towards Port Royal. A Merlin was perched at the top of a tree along the side of the road and all had extended views of the small falcon. Small flocks of Tundra Swans flew overhead while hundreds and hundreds more were resting and feeding in the fields to the north.

In the flooded sections, Jean and I scoped a number of Redhead, Northern Pintail, and American Wigeon. To the south, our group's first observation of Sandhill Cranes. The cranes (3) were in flight and calling.

Blackbirds were out in force as we passed through Port Royal and Common Grackle was added to our year list.

At Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area the small man-made pond was frozen so the ducks made use of the nearby flooded field. More Northern Pintail, Redhead and Tundra Swans. Jean and I also spotted American Black Duck, Canvasback and a Northern Shoveler mixed in this group and for the third year in a row, Sandhill Cranes in the neighbouring field.

We moved north to where Concession Road 1 crosses Big Creek. No waterfowl in the swollen creek on the north side of the road. Looking south we found 1 American Wigeon and 1 Gadwall amongst the Canada Geese.

We moved on to Long Point and thanks to Bird Studies Canada, the group had access to the Old Cut Field Station during lunch. Luckily, I had the correct amount of cash on hand to place in the honour box to obtain a copy of Ron Ridout's, A Birding Guide to the Long Point Area. The guide has me planning to return and explore the Long Point area by ourselves to tick a lifer Northern Goshawk.

Birding around the Old Cut simply added birds to the 2011 Norfolk County list. It was less than a year ago that Jean and I ticked our lifer Gray-cheeked Thrush here after it was subjected to some measuring, weighing and banding.

Another drive along Lakeshore Road added Northern Harrier and Great Blue Heron to the day's list. Our final stop was in Walsingham to visit the feeders owned by a member of our group. A variety of birds were on the property, including Pine Siskin, House Finch, American Goldfinch and White-throated Sparrow. In the creek, another county addition for 2011, a pair of Ring-necked Ducks. Though it took all day to see one, the group had a close look at a Bald Eagle (an immature with a transmitter attached to its back) as it flew overhead.

And with that, another Long Point trip came to a close. One last 2011 Norfolk addition for Jean and I as we headed back to the Niagara Region though. Not too far from the forestry station, we spotted over a dozen Wild Turkeys. Despite the ice along the Lake Erie shoreline and the snow cover, we had a great day of observing early migrants. Thankfully, the snow storm occurred on the Friday and not the day of the trip. With our target species ticked, Jean and I can turn to the next batch of migrants, including our annual yard visitor, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. He's due to arrive in a couple of weeks.

A Lifer in the Hand: OFO Annual Convention Part II

September 26

Old Cut and Long Point Provincial Park

It was the last weekend of September and Jean and I were attending the 2010 OFO Annual Convention. During Saturday's field trip to Turkey Point and the Townsend Sewage Lagoons, we observed a lifer Baird's Sandpiper and after ticking a total of 7 species the year list stood at 194. Last year, we did not reach 194 until November 29. 200 species in 2010 is closer to becoming a reality.

Returning to our B&B, we met our fellow lodgers as they were leaving for the banquet. We exchanged highlights of our trips, theirs being a Cattle Egret in a paddock across from the Bird Studies Canada building. That would be a sweet addition to the Ontario year list if Jean and I were able to observe it.

The banquet was well enjoyed and the Lake Erie Yellow Perch was amazing. When in Port Dover, one must have perch for dinner. The guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Bridget Stutchbury and she discussed her research in tracking songbirds. Earlier in the evening she was selling and signing copies of her two books, Silence of Songbirds and The Bird Detective. Silence of Songbirds was a finalist for the Governor General's Award and I will purchase it at a future date. We decided to purchase Bridget Stutchbury's newest book, The Bird Detective.

On Sunday morning we were delayed by another wonderful breakfast. Luckily, the Old Cut was only minutes away from our B&B and we still had time to stop and scan the paddock across from Bird Studies Canada. No sign of the Cattle Egret. The paddock was completely empty. A subsequent attempt at the end of the day was also unsuccessful.

We met trip leaders Mike and Ken Burrell on Old Cut Boulevard. Their names were familiar to me. Not only are they both well ahead of my position on the Top 100 eBirders in Ontario, Mike is also the eBird reviewer that contacted me regarding a few observations I entered on eBird Canada.

The trip was described as a morning walk around the Long Point Bird Observatory's Old Cut Field Station and the nearby provincial park. At the field station, volunteers were busy banding migratory birds and the conifers were teeming with Yellow-rumped Warblers and both species of kinglets as flocks of pipits and blackbirds flew overhead. The best spot that morning was along Lighthouse Crescent adjacent to the Old Cut. The tall trees at the private cottages were filled with avian activity.

A few birds were flitting around in the trees near the lighthouse as we walked along Erie Boulevard to reach the entrance of Long Point Provincial Park.

Checking out the beaches on the point.

I was hoping to find a Lesser Black-backed Gull but all we saw were Ring-billed and Herring Gulls.

Closed Gentian, Gentiana clausa

When the group stopped for a short break, there were some thrushes moving in the trees and brush near the campground comfort station that caught the attention of Mike. He identified one as a Gray-cheeked Thrush. This would be a lifer if Jean and I could get good looks at the distinctive features of the bird. We did not get a satisfactory view of the bird's field markings. It remained quite hidden and the presence of a Swainson's Thrush added to the difficulty of a successful lifer observation. In the open, distinguishing the differences between a Swainson's and Gray-cheeked Thrush would be fairly easy. We have gained a considerable amount of experience over the years but the partial views were not to my liking. For a lifer, I wanted to see all of field marks. The Gray-cheeked Thrush tick would have to wait. It was sooner than I thought it would be but not without frustration. I think we've all been there.

We had walked as far as we could in the provincial park and were retracing our steps when we came across our second attempt at a lifer Gray-cheeked Thrush. Mike picked it out as we walked through a stand of pine trees. Again, a quick view for me and I observed the bird did not have an eye ring and it was gray-brown above. This species is easily disturbed and as more of the group arrived the thrush vacated its perch. Mike asked if I got it. Yes, but unfortunately Jean did not see it. No tick. It was found again by a member of the group and though the description of its location was well described, no one could see it. Despite repeating the details of the bird's location, the group (now tightly packed together on a gravel road) still did not see it. The birder that found the thrush scored a view from another vantage point. The majority of the group hurriedly advanced to his location and he warned them to approach quietly. Luckily for some, it remained in the tree to feed on wild grapes. Jean and I stayed at the original spot with a few birders that successfully spotted the thrush. I still cannot believe we could not see this bird. Were Jean and I the only ones that could not see it? Frustrating as hell. The group left the area but Jean and I remained for one last futile attempt. Still no tick.

Warblers were more apparent during the hike. In total, Jean and I observed 13 species during the 5 hour hike. None were added to the year list on this trip but we had great views of a beautiful Philadelphia Vireo (#195) in the tall trees on Lighthouse Crescent. The yellow on this vireo was brilliant.

Walking through the Old Cut, Jean and I finally got our Gray-cheeked Thrush lifer tick. As we approached some netting on the trail, our nemesis of the day flew into the net. Mike quickly grabbed it and allowed for some quick views before taking it to the banding station.

A Swainson's Thrush was soon caught in the net.

Both birds were taken to the station in cloth bags and quickly processed. The Gray-cheeked Thrush was measured, weighed and released.







Through the window of the banding station, Jean and I viewed our lifer Gray-cheeked Thrush (#302) fly off into the brush of the Old Cut.


Another OFO annual convention had reached its conclusion.

Jean and I had a successful weekend in Norfolk County. Of the 91 species we observed, 2 were lifers and 9 were added to the year list. One more tick and we will tie our personal best. What was the best find during the field trips?

Was it the cupcakes? They did have a peanut butter cup baked in the center.

Or was it the Gray-cheeked Thrush? The Baird's Sandpiper was pretty cool but after all that frustration, ticking the thrush at the end of the day was the icing on the cupcake.

To Squeeze or Not to Squeeze: OFO Annual Convention Part I

Jean and I were heading home after last year's OFO annual convention at Point Pelee when she indicated there may be a conflict with the 2010 convention. During the 2009 banquet it was announced that the 2010 convention would be held the last weekend of September. The Sunday of that last weekend was the finale of the 10 day Grape & Wine Festival in Niagara and traditionally, the day the Liberty! Bicycles Off Road Squeezer is held. So, what to do? What to do?

To Squeeze.




or Not To Squeeze.




Other than watching the Tour and a few solo rides, cycling has been non-existent this year. Weekends were spent chasing birds and considering I booked a B&B in Port Rowan back in July for this year's convention, the decision "not to Squeeze" was not a last minute one.


After sharing a fulfilling hot breakfast with birders from Ottawa, Jean and I left in a hurry for Saturday's field trip to Turkey Point and the Townsend Sewage Lagoons. Mention sewage lagoons to a nonbirder and they will look at you as if you belong on Shutter Island (Yes, I watched the film recently) but we all know what great birds can be found while standing on the edge of a sewage lagoon cell during spring and fall migration.



September 25


Turkey Point Beach


We made it just in time to hear the trip itinerary and obtain some maps from trip leader Stu Mackenzie before leaving for our first stop of the day. From the pier of a boat launch, the group of 50 birders looked east towards the beach. A few shorebirds were present, including a Dunlin for our year list. In the small bay west of the pier, we viewed waterfowl. Amongst the Canada Geese and Mallards, we observed American Wigeon and Northern Pintail (another first of the year). Looking east again, a new shorebird was spotted further down the beach but a closer look was required to determine if the dowitcher was short-billed or long-billed. Time of year was telling us long-billed but the trip leaders wanted to be sure.


There were a few Canada Geese and ducks that remained motionless in front of the dowitcher. These belonged to a hunter hiding in the Phragmites. It was opening day of hunting season and our group witnessed this hunter exhibit some shoddy hunting practices. I believe I can say that the birders present were not against the hunting of Canada Geese but were more astounded by the hunter's ill preparedness. A Canada Goose was shot but only wounded and the bird flailed around as the hunter continued to shoot in its direction. We could see shot hitting the water and bouncing off of the goose. The injured goose moved away from the shoreline and the hunter had to venture into the water for a closer shot. After 6-7 shots, possibly more, the goose was killed but the hunter had to wade into water above his chest while holding his shotgun above his head to retrieve his quarry. He was aware of our presence and upon returning to the shore with the goose he "flipped the bird" in our direction. What else could one do but laugh. It would have been a lot easier if Elmer had a small boat or dog to aid in retrieving the goose.


The group walked along the shoreline, the Phragmites separating us from the hunter, until we were closer to the dowitcher. Sadly, Long-billed Dowitcher remains off the year list.


Silver Lake-Port Dover


Our next stop was Silver Lake in the small lakeside town of Port Dover. Jean and I followed an esteemed birder from Algonquin along the backroads of Norfolk County. Upon reaching the parking lot/market at Silver Lake, I followed Ron into the farmers market while Jean waited outside in search of fellow OFO members. We had arrived in Port Dover minutes ahead of the rest of the group. Our best find before birding as a group, cupcakes!




While walking the trail by the side of the lake we had an excellent view of a Sharpie and Cooper's in flight. It was odd to see during migration but the Sharp-shinned Hawk exhibited territorial behaviour and came quite close to the larger Cooper's Hawk for an easy comparison of the two accipiters.



We moved on to the waterfront. It was not summer nor was it Friday the 13th so crowds were minimal.




Birds were as well. We left Port Dover and the Ring-billed Gulls behind. It was time to look for more shorebirds.

Townsend Sewage Lagoons

The four cells of the Townsend Sewage Lagoons are located west of the town of Jarvis and were the best stop of the day for Jean and I. The water level in cell #4 was low enough to attract shorebirds and though high winds made it difficult, we had great views of some lovely birds.

Four species were quickly added to the year list. Rusty Blackbirds flew overhead as we looked at Pectoral Sandpipers (2) through our scope. American Pipits, usually only seen by Jean and I when an observer points them out as a flock of them are flying overhead, were landing in the lagoon. Previous observations of Arthus rubescens have been mediocre at best. The last being a distant lone individual at the Blenheim sewage lagoons during last year's OFO convention. These pipits were much closer and the best views occurred when we were looking at our 301st lifer. A Baird's Sandpiper!



Levels in cells 1, 2 and 3 were high and each contained waterfowl. Ducks viewed included, Ruddy Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal and Northern Shoveler, another addition for the year list. The lagoons were the last stop for most of the group but a few, including Jean and I, continued on to Turkey Point Provincial Park.


We walked along a park road looking for migrating passerines in the trees. No lifers or first of the years to end the day. Blackpoll (1) and Palm (1) were the only wood warblers seen. The trees at Long Point would be dripping with them on Sunday's field trip and well worth missing this year's Squeezer.

Cloudy with a Chance of Cranes

Other than adding Tundra Swans to the yard list, I had not been birding for almost three weeks. Yes, way too long of a time period to have without an attempt at adding birds to the year list. Especially if I am striving for 200+ species this year.

In order to break 200 this year I thought it best I attend as many OFO trips as possible. The first was the Fisherville Area field trip on February 6. No lifers but 6 species were added to the year list. Unfortunately, Jean and I missed out on the Short-eared Owls observed at the end of the day. Hopefully we are not sitting at 199 on December 31.

The next scheduled trip was to the Long Point Area. Jean and I had good results on this trip in 2009 and we were hoping for a repeat Sandhill Crane observation. The Long Point peninsula (sandspit) is 40 kilometres in length and is recognized as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations. To birders, it is an excellent spot for observing migrating birds in the spring and fall. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO) and celebrations are planned for the weekend of May 14-16.

View Larger Map

We set out on the morning of March 13 with rain forecasted for the entire weekend. Additions occurred along the way. We had hardly left St. Catharines when we observed a Great Blue Heron in flight as we crossed Lake Gibson. Blackbirds seem to appear like magic this time of year. Travelling south through West Lincoln, (along a road the St. Catharines CC rides regularly) we ticked Common Grackle. Red-winged Blackbirds were also spotted but a female, yes a female, was ticked earlier in the year while at Dufferin Islands.

At the St. Williams Forestry Station we joined 30+ birders ready to explore the Long Point area in the cold and rain with trip leaders Jim Heslop, George Pond and Bob Stamp. Our carpooling friends, Anne and Bev, were unable to attend this year's trip so it would just be Jean and I in our car as the line travelled to spots we became familiar with in 2009.

Not much was seen at the St. Williams Marina.

So on we went to Port Rowan. From the overlook, the group of die-hard birders did well to identify the waterfowl on the lake below. I would usually do my best to count the ducks or at least estimate their number but the cold rain had me simply noting some species with an 'x'. American Wigeon was added to the year list as well as Killdeer as one flew over the group. Looking westward towards the marina, Bald Eagles were seen on the ice and in the air.

We descended to lake level to examine the bay west of the marina. There was a considerable amount of ice in the lake and waterfowl were few and far between. Last year we observed an estimated 1500 Tundra Swans and a small flock of Snow Geese (blue and white morphs) at this location. This trip, we counted only 6 Tundra Swans mixed in with Buffleheads and Canada Geese. A large number of American Coot were assembled by the pier.

At the Lee Brown Waterfowl Management Area, we found our third target species. The group observed a pair of Sandhill Cranes in the field across the road (the same location as last year). The coolest thing during our time here was sharing the view of the cranes with a young birder. I believe he was on the trip with his granddad and Jean pointed him in the right direction so he could see them through his binoculars. I had been sharing views through our scope when the young boy approached me and I could tell by the look on his face he wanted to have a view as well but the angled eyepiece was to high for him to look through. No worries there. I rotated the scope 90 degrees so that the eyepiece was now at his level (as well as some of the shorter ladies), allowing him a closer view of his life bird. One can only hope that this moment will keep him birding for years to come. Which reminds me, Jean and I should take our nephew and niece birding soon.

We stopped at a couple of spots along Big Creek, including the closed section of Concession Road A. Sunny blue skies and hundreds of Tundra Swans in flight were absent on this year's walk along the road. Eastern Bluebirds, American Tree Sparrow, Song Sparrow and Blue Jay were ticked during the short walk.

At the Old Cut we had our lunch break in the former bird banding station. To mark the 50th anniversary of the LPBO, a hook rug depicting a scene of the point, its lighthouse and the bird banding station, was hanging from the wall. The material used to create this wall hanging was from the clothing worn by volunteers that assisted at the LPBO over the past 50 years. It took 2 years to complete the work of art.

After lunch, Jean and I explored the Old Cut area adding Black-capped Chickadee and Common Grackle to our trip list.

Due to the weather, we had only one stop remaining. A local birder on the trip allowed the group to view the avian activity at feeders spread throughout her property. In the morning, she had observed a total of 23 species in her yard. It rained during our time here which most likely contributed to Jean and I observing only 14 species.

Despite the cold and rain, it was a successful trip. No point (or ticks gained) being a fair-weather birder. We're on par with last year's Ontario list and if we continue to repeat observations like Sandhill Crane, Jean and I just might have a record year (personal best). Now, if we can only tick some rarities.